8 Tips For Finding Your Perfect Wedding Dress

The journey to select the perfect wedding dress is such a fun and exciting part of the wedding planning process. To make sure everything goes smoothly, we’ve put together a few tips to keep in mind throughout the process. 

1. Determine a budget 

Let the salon know your budget ahead of time. This will help you avoid trying on and falling in love with a dress that is out of your price range. Your budget should also include the cost of alterations, taxes, potential shipping fees, and accessories. 

2. Start early 

Give yourself plenty of time to shop for the right dress. Ideally, you want to start looking about six to eight months before your wedding. If you are planning on having a custom made dress, start looking about eight to ten months before your wedding date. You will need enough time to have your dress made and have any alterations completed. 

3. Research salons 

Determine what types of salons will best fit your style and personality. Consider if you want to shop at a small local salon, a large salon with a variety of price points and designers, a budget-friendly chain, a seamstress you can create your dress from scratch, or a one-stop shop that carries everything you might possibly need. 

4. Schedule an appointment 

Most salons will require you to make an appointment. Keep in mind Saturday appointments will fill up quickly, so call early and be flexible with your schedule. Ask the receptionist if there is anything specific you should bring to your appointment and let them know how many people you will be bringing with you so they are able to prepare. 

5. Research styles ahead of time

Consider your venue, the season, and the time of your wedding to help determine what style will be best for you. Consider styles that will work best and will be flattering with your body type. Save images of styles and dresses you like to share with your consultant at your appointment, or send pictures to them ahead of time so they can pull recommendations together for you.

6. Allow the salon to make recommendations

Even if you have a specific style of dress in mind, be open to having the salon make recommendations for you. It’s possible that you will fall in love with a dress you would have never expected to like. It’s hard to know exactly what a dress will look like on you when you see it on a hanger. 

7. Bring accessories with you 

You will want to bring your accessories with you to your appointment that you plan to wear with your dress. Even if you aren’t entirely sure on what style of shoe you are wearing, bring a shoe that is around the height you plan on wearing. You should also come prepared with the right undergarments. 

8. Ask about alterations 

Most salons will offer to do alterations in-house. Ask ahead about pricing and how much time is required to complete the alterations.